To share and connect with those interested in writing from life, recording their personal histories, writing a memoir for publication and/or personal use, and all things related to writing one's story.

"Have you thought about writing your family history, but found yourself stuck from the start? Writing a family narrative can be a daunting task, but Karen Jones Gowen found a way to bring her mother's story to life." (Homespun Magazine)

Monday, November 8, 2010

Saving Precious Memories

I started this blog as a means of encouraging people to save and record their personal and family histories, although I mostly just ramble on about my soup, my walks, my basement, my dogs....

My 93-year-old mom, the subject of Farm Girl, suffered a stroke two weeks ago, and I thank God every day that she and I were able to put this book together back when she was in full health. This was at age 90, mind you.

A lady who heard me speak at a library, said regretfully, "I thought I'd have more time." I am so grateful that I don't have those regrets, but if Mother hadn't lived such a long, active life, I might be saying the same thing: "I thought I'd have more time."

What's the best way to record our own, our parents or grandparents' stories? Just make it a priority and do it. There is no right or wrong method, no secret formula. However, it's one of those things that too easily gets procrastinated regardless of the best intentions. Don't put it off until it's too late-- record those precious memories that will be treasured by many.

I am so sorry about your mom, Karen. Hope she recovers. These are wise words. We just need to get whatever we can down as we can do it and not put it off. I missed out on some wonderful opportunities with my family because I was too messed up to pay attention.karen

Very timely post...the chapter I just finished revising ended on how I regret I didn't discover a side to my father until after he died, listen to my father's stories instead of getting annoyed, and didn't ask more questions. "I wish, I wish, I wish...too late."

I was fortunate enough to be granted a Heritage Lottery funding to run a memory project in my local community. I ran memory workshops. People were reluctant for a start but once they began to reminisce there was no stopping them. We now have a wonderful book that everyone is very proud of. I'm so glad we did it before it was too late and. like yourself, I would urge everyone to have a go.

Karen, I am sorry to hear about your Mom! I am happy you recorded her life,her journey~ I look forward to reading it! I am amazed at the connections, the struggles our families have gone through. When we go back in time and see what they endured. Just 60 yrs ago, medical care was so different. My Dad had strep throat that lead to rheumatic fever and enlarged his heart. He died at 45. His family didn't the $ didn't realize the seriousness of the situation.

I look forward to reading your book;I have it on my Christmas Wish list~

So, so true. I keep asking Dad and Mom to record their memories, but if it's to be done, I'm probably the only one who'll do it. I need to make it more of a priority, but time already has me by the jugular. (sigh)

As you know I'm working on a project involving my MIL's life story. It's getting harder by the day to communicate clearly with her. I hope we don't run out of time. She has a good story. I'm happy that you were able to get your work done. It made for a fantastic book.

Followers

Just Do It! Write Your Story

"I devoted myself, early on, to writing. Really writing. Just doing it, no matter how awkward and unfit I felt. So every single morning I am on the planet, I grit my teeth and this hard, embarrassing, abject, thrilling thing--writing--because I want, in part, to count." (from Page after Page by Heather Sellers)

Photos from Farm Girl

High school graduation photo of Lucille Marker, the farm girl

Lucille drinking from the well

John Marker, Dust Bowl Days

The Marker Nebraska farmstead

"Farm Girl presents a vision of life on a Nebraska homestead during the 1920's and 1930's, told from a child's perspective, and illustrated with photographs of the time." (Quincy Herald Whig)

"Through the intertwined stories of the life of the Marker family and of the broader historical time period, the book is more than captivating. Gowen's vivid account of her mother's life allows Farm Girl to read as seamlessly as if one were recalling personal memories." (The Holyoke Enterprise)

"Farm Girl will capture the interest of readers in the photos the book contains and witty recollections Lucille has of her grandparents in Catherton Township." (The Red Cloud Chief)

To Buy My Books

True coming of age story of a young girl growing up on a 1930's Nebraska farm.

Click to order

A young married couple struggles to find balance during the over-the-top decade of the Seventies. An autobiographical novel.

Praise for Uncut Diamonds

"What I love is the dialogue." (Deirdre Paulsen, BYU English professor)

"...tight, realistic, warm family truth... exactly the kind of realistic character-and relationship-driven writing I have been waiting to happen in the LDS market." (Marilyn Brown, award-winning author and benefactor of the annual Marilyn Brown Award)